Riverfront cottage in West Chester with fireplace

Bala Farm Cottage now has it's own website. Bala Farm Cottage is a wonderfully cozy little cottage located less than 3 miles from the center of West Chester, at the top of a hill in a quiet neighborhood. It has charming study downstairs with a bay window looking out towards majestic trees, and an entry hall that ends with a wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffee machine. A lovely curved staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom with queen bed and a spacious bathroom. You'll love your stay in West Chester at Bala Farm Cottage!

The space

Bala Farm Cottage, located 2 miles from the center of West Chester, was built around 1850 to serve as a "library" (1800's version of a man cave, we think) at a time when the main Bala Farm house (built in 1759) was being used as a boarding school for boys. It's undoubtedly been employed in a variety of functions since then, and when we bought the property we thought it would make a perfect guest cottage.

We've made a few changes to give the cottage some of the comforts that help make a very enjoyable stay. The wet bar is located at the end of a quaint entry hall, and has a small refrigerator and microwave, in addition to a K-cup coffee machine with complimentary pods provided, a small toaster oven and an electric kettle. There is also a sliced bread toaster and cutting board provided, but please be aware that there are no cooking appliances, utensils or abilities beyond these.

The study includes a love seat with pillows and additional blankets for staying cozy in winter months, across from a gas fireplace that warms the room nicely. There is a small table with two chairs that can be used both for dining or as a workspace. For those looking to spend quite a bit of time working, there is a desk against the wall that provides more of a formal workspace. There are also built-in cabinets in the study, which serve as a sort of panty, holding wine glasses, plates & utensils (we've switched to paper & plastic since COVID began), salt & pepper, napkins and bottle openers. To round out the seating, there are a couple of padded accent chairs that provide additional options.

The curved staircase leads up to a cozy bedroom with a comfortable queen bed and a spacious bathroom. There are both privacy curtains and wood shutters, so you can either fill it with natural light, or keep things dark for a longer slumber. There is no closet in the bedroom, but there is a suitcase stand and a garment rack for hanging clothes. The bathroom includes a shower and small vanity with mirror, as well as closeted shelves, with some basic amenities such as shampoo & conditioner and body wash.

There is a large stone fire pit just steps from the cottage that guests are welcome to use, with adirondack chairs and picnic table nearby, that you may find perfect for enjoying an evening glass of wine or cold beer outdoors. All of the trees on the property mean that there is plenty of wood nearby for enjoying fires if the weather allows (we keep one stack next to the fire pit).

Please note that the house and cottage are within a small development. However, we are on top of a hill at the end of a cul-de-sac and surrounded by trees, so there is a private feel and you hardly notice when you are on the property and in the cottage, but you will notice when you drive into the neighborhood.

We look forward to welcoming you for your stay at Bala Farm Cottage!

Guest access:

Guests will have the cottage to themselves, can come and go as they please, and are welcome to enjoy the grounds. If anything is needed that is not in the cottage, just ask!

Interaction with guests:

We're happy to interact with guests as much or as little as they prefer! Since we live on the grounds, we'll usually be available to answer questions, provide recommendations, or tell stories.

Air-conditioned accommodations at this cottage offer fireplaces and coffee/tea makers. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves.

Bathrooms include showers and hair dryers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.